She has vowed to carry on in her own time but needs an expensive insurance policy costing £1,900 - so has launched a JustGiving page to fund it.

Mum-of-two Lorraine said: "This is a very dangerous road - without anyone here it is an accident waiting to happen.

"If they don't do something about it down there somebody will get killed. Lives are at risk if my job goes.

"The parents have been up in arms. They keep saying 'we need somebody here.'

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"There is not going to be any speed cameras or traffic calming measures introduced."

Lorraine patrols Old Street in Clevedon, north Somerset, to help the kids of Nicholas Chantry Primary School, All Saints School and Clevedon School.

Two years ago her job was thrown into jeopardy as North Somerset Council scrapped funding.

Her wages were then paid by Clevedon Town Council, which was due to stop funding her today (Fri) but has now extended that until the New Year thanks to a generous donor who contributed £1,500 to keep Lorraine working until February half term.

She said: "I've been told I can carry on until February but then I'll be in the same position."

Wearing her hi-vis waterproof coat, Lorraine works 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon, earning £142 a month.

The total cost of employing her to the council is £3,340 per annum including insurance, uniform and additional costs.

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"They're always on about health and safety but what's more important than children crossing roads safely?", said Lorraine.

"I'd continue to do it voluntarily, it does need somebody there.

"It gets very busy between 8.20am and 8.45am - I get abuse all the time but I just ignore it now.

"I had a driver last week put his fists up to me, but the older kids who were walking past gave him the 'V's' and said 'you can't, but we can.'"

Last year Lorraine had a hip replacement operation and took three months off to recover - but she said that during that time two children were hit by cars.

"By all accounts, two of the older children got hit by two different cars," she said. "If I'd have been there it wouldn't have happened."

Despite attempts to find sponsorship and funding from local schools, nothing has been forthcoming.

Councillor Graham Watkins believes it was a mistake for North Somerset Council to remove funding, and said he was "disappointed" that parents from the schools did not club together to cover the costs of Lorraine's salary and additional costs.

He said: "Lorraine is one dedicated lady. She wants to keep going. It is not easy to find people that want that job.

"I think we should never have got into this position."

"There are two other crossings that have been sponsored in North Somerset.

"But again they are for limited periods. We have got to find something else to keep it going.

"It is not a satisfactory situation. The best solution is that a sponsor comes forward to pick up the cost."

A spokesman for North Somerset District Council said: "Due to funding pressures, the council has had to make some difficult decisions in relation to cutting non-statutory services.

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"School crossing patrols fall into this category.

"As a solution, we have offered a traded-service option for schools who are able to seek sponsorship from their local communities.

"This was initially successful with six crossings gaining support from local businesses and parish councils in September last year.

"We continue to provide support and guidance for schools on road safety and how to travel to school in a sustainable but safe way but the responsibility of children getting to school safely remains with their parents/guardians.

"We understand that funding has come forward which will enable Lorraine to remain in post until February next year.